Serum vitamins and microelements levels and their association with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Background Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The impact of environmental factors on ADHD is very important. Therefore, we analyzed and measured the correlation between the serum vitamin and microelement levels of Chinese children and the incidence rate of ADHD, hoping to provide some guidance for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Methods 128 children (69 boys and 59 girls, with an average age of 9.38 ± 2.5 years) were diagnosed with ADHD. In addition, 133 healthy children were recruited as the healthy control group (HC). The levels of serum vitamins and elements were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Use statistical analysis to compare the differences in the content of two groups of indicators and analyze their correlation with ADHD. Results Compared with the healthy control group (HC group), children with ADHD exhibited significantly lower levels of serum vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin D3, while the levels of lead and copper were also significantly elevated. Logistic regression analysis indicated a negative correlation between vitamin D levels and ADHD. Conclusion Children with ADHD exhibit significantly lower serum VD levels and higher Pb levels (only in boys), suggesting VD deficiency and sex-specific Pb susceptibility may be key factors associated with ADHD.